The three horses allegedly injured during a barrel racing event on May 30 are expected to face a lengthy recovery process, according to local horse advocates following the incident.

Sydney Knott, founder of Horses 4 Heroes, said the animals are likely dealing with emotional trauma in addition to their physical injuries.

“These horses’ trust has been violated in one of the most horrific ways possible,” Knott said. “Like any victim of an attack, they’ll carry those wounds and memories with them for a long time.”

While she declined to discuss specific medical details, Knott suggested the emotional healing process could take just as long as the physical one.

Horses 4 Heroes volunteer Aubrey Lober added that ongoing veterinary care may bring additional challenges for the animals as they recover.

The teenager accused in the case is scheduled to return to juvenile court on July 8, as prosecutors continue efforts to have her tried as an adult.

Of the horse owners who publicly spoke about the incident online, only one — Arielle Phillips, owner of a horse named Detail — provided a detailed account of what happened that night.

Phillips described the ordeal as devastating, saying her horse is now struggling to trust people again after the incident.

She also claimed the accused teen had followed her on social media for more than a year and had previously expressed interest in meeting Detail. According to Phillips, the two met in person at the competition the night before the alleged attack.

Phillips said the teen approached Detail’s stall twice late that evening, despite not being housed in the same barn area. She recalled the teen asking questions that she felt were unusual given the time and circumstances.

According to Phillips, surveillance footage later showed Detail running from the stall area while bleeding.

She further alleged that when she returned, she found the teen near the horse and was given an explanation for the injuries that she did not believe.

Phillips said veterinarians later examined Detail and determined the wounds were consistent with stab injuries.

Police subsequently arrested the teenager, who now faces multiple felony charges related to animal cruelty and property damage. During a court appearance on June 4, the teen denied the allegations, and a judge ordered her to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

Veterinarians involved in treating the horses have declined to comment publicly, citing both client privacy and the ongoing criminal investigation.